How Much Does Desktop Appraisal Cost? [2026 Data]

Desktop appraisal costs range from $125 to $400, with most homeowners paying between $150 and $300. This service offers a remote property valuation using public records and digital data, providing a budget-friendly alternative to traditional appraisals. Prices may vary based on property complexity and report requirements.

Let’s explore what factors into desktop appraisal cost, ongoing expenses, and how to get the most value for your home assessment.

Desktop Appraisal Cost Factors

Understanding what drives desktop appraisal cost helps you plan and budget for this remote property valuation. Let’s break down the main factors that affect what you’ll pay.

Types

The type of property being appraised plays a key role in the desktop appraisal cost. Single-family homes and condominiums are the most straightforward and affordable options. Multi-family and commercial properties often cost more because they require additional research and analysis. Specialized desktop appraisals, such as those for investment or unique properties, may also incur higher fees due to their complexity.

Size

Larger or more complex properties require more time and effort to appraise, which can increase the cost of a desktop appraisal. Appraisers may need to analyze additional records or assess multiple units, especially for multi-family or portfolio properties.

Materials

Desktop appraisals do not involve physical materials, but they rely on digital data sources like public records, MLS data, and mapping tools. Using premium or proprietary data sources can add to the desktop appraisal cost, especially if extra verification or specialized reports are needed.

Labor

Desktop appraisals are performed by licensed appraisers or appraisal management companies. Most charge a flat fee, but some may offer an hourly rate for highly complex requests. Appraiser experience, certifications, and local market demand can push rates higher in competitive areas.

Expect labor costs to fall between $125 and $250 for most residential properties, with commercial and complex properties costing more. Urban markets with high demand or limited appraiser availability may see slightly higher fees.

Prep

Preparation for desktop appraisals is minimal, since no site visit is required. However, you may incur small fees if you need expedited document preparation, professional floor plans, or data verification. If the appraiser requests additional information from you or your agent, such as current photos or floor plans, there could be a charge for professional preparation or rush delivery.

Additional Cost Factors

Several other factors can increase desktop appraisal costs, including:

• Rush order or expedited report delivery fees.

• Charges for extra report copies or custom reporting formats.

• Surcharges for complex, unusual, or luxury properties.

• Technology or platform access fees from some companies.

• Additional costs if a desktop appraisal cannot be completed and must be upgraded to a hybrid or traditional appraisal.

These add-ons can range from $25 to $150, depending on the scope and urgency.

Why You Should Hire a Desktop Appraiser

A desktop appraiser is a licensed professional who has the skills and know-how to properly appraise your home remotely. While there are online valuation tools offered either for free or at a low cost, there’s a big difference between what these tools can provide and what a professional offers. Doing a proper valuation takes a whole lot of research skills, access to reliable data, and several hours, if not days, of work. Accuracy is important, so it’s best not to skimp on your appraisal and hire a local property appraiser.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a licensed appraiser

Don’t be fooled by online tools. Here’s why you should hire a licensed desktop appraiser:

• Most lenders, insurers, and tax authorities require a licensed appraiser’s report.

• An expert will know all the trusted sources of information to appraise your home properly.

• A DIY mistake could result in inaccurate information.

• You get peace of mind knowing you have an accurate appraisal.

Cost of Common Desktop Appraisal Add-Ons

Several add-ons can affect your total desktop appraisal cost. Here are the most common:

• Rush or expedited delivery fees, ranging from $25 to $100

• Additional report copies or formats (digital or printed), often $10 to $50 per copy

• Custom data requests or specialized reporting, $25 to $75

• Upgrading to a hybrid or traditional appraisal costs $100 to $400

• Fees for including extra properties in a portfolio appraisal, $50 to $150 per additional property

• Technology or platform access fees, $10 to $50, depending on the provider

Add-ons can quickly increase your total cost, so review your needs carefully before requesting extras.

Tips to Reduce Desktop Appraisal Costs

You can keep desktop appraisal costs lower and get the best value by following these tips:

• Compare quotes from multiple licensed appraisers or appraisal companies.

• Provide complete and accurate property documentation upfront.

• Opt for standard reporting unless specialized data is required.

• Schedule appraisals during non-peak times to avoid rush fees.

• Bundle multiple appraisals if assessing several properties.

• Avoid unnecessary add-ons or expedited services unless needed.

A little preparation and comparison shopping can help you secure a fair price for your desktop appraisal.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.